In the Piatt County Circuit Court, Lincoln's and Joel Seth Post's client, Jonathan C. Johnson, dismisses his appeal in the case of Johnson v. Marquis and Marquis. Lincoln and Charles Emerson represent plaintiff Eliza K. Thorpe, who seeks a divorce from Moses Thorpe in the case of Thorpe v. Thorpe. Moses Thorpe's attorneys demur to Lincoln's and Emerson's bill for divorce, and after hearing arguments on the merits of the demurrer and the bill, Judge David Davis overrules the demurrer. Lincoln files an affidavit for a continuance in the assumpsit case of Loyd v. Thorpe, in which he and David Longnecker represent defendant Moses Thorpe. The court grants the continuance. Order, 3 May 1852, Johnson v. Marquis and Marquis, Court Record B, 228; Decree, 3 May 1852, Thorpe v. Thorpe, Court Record B, 228, both in Piatt County Circuit Court, Piatt County Courthouse, Monticello, IL; Affidavit for Continuance, filed 3 May 1852, Loyd v. Thorpe, Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Order, 3 May 1852, Loyd v. Thorpe, Court Record B, 227, Piatt County Circuit Court, Piatt County Courthouse, Monticello, IL.

In the Piatt County Circuit Court, Lincoln and Charles Emerson represent plaintiff Eliza K. Thorpe, who seeks a divorce from Moses Thorpe in the case of Thorpe v. Thorpe. Moses Thorpe files an answer to the bill for divorce and asserts that he is not an abusive husband. Moses charges Eliza with, among other things, being verbally abusive and taking money without permission. Lincoln and Emerson file a replication to the answer that denies Moses Thorpe's allegations. Lincoln and Emerson apply to the court for support for their client while her suit is pending. Judge David Davis hears both sides argue the merits of the application and rules in favor of Eliza Thorpe. Judge Davis orders Moses Thorpe to pay the circuit clerk $25 within thirty days and an additional $35 within ninety days for Eliza Thorpe's support until the next term of court. Lincoln represents defendant Samuel L. Swords in the appeal case of Rarey v. Swords, a dispute involving the construction of a log cabin. The court calls a jury, and both sides make their arguments. The jury finds in favor of Rarey and awards him $12. Judge Davis orders each of the litigants to pay half of the $43.91 in court costs. Answer, 4 May 1852, Thorpe v. Thorpe, case file, box 28; Affidavit of Moses Thorpe, 4 May 1852, Thorpe v. Thorpe, case file, box 28; both in Menard County Circuit Court, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL; Replication (copy), filed 4 May 1852, Thorpe v. Thorpe, copy files, Henry Horner Lincoln Collection, IHi, Springfield, IL; Judgment, c. May 1852, Thorpe v. Thorpe, Court Record B, 230; Judgment, 4 May 1852, Rarey v. Swords, Court Record B, 229, both in Piatt County Circuit Court, Piatt County Courthouse, Monticello, IL.

[The Spring term of the Champaign County Circuit Court begins in Urbana with thirty-nine cases on the docket. Orders and Decrees, 5-9 May 1852, Circuit Court Record A, 87-112, Champaign County Circuit Court, Champaign County Courthouse, Urbana, IL.]

In the Champaign County Circuit Court, Lincoln files a plea for defendant James F. Jennings in the case of Burt v. Jennings, a suit involving a complaint of assault and battery. In the plea, Lincoln states that Jennings acted in self defense. Lincoln also drafts a standard response for plaintiff Benjamin Burt's attorneys to sign.Plea, Replication, filed 6 May 1852, Burt v. Jennings, Champaign County Circuit Court, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL.

In the evening, Lincoln and Judge David Davis attend a performance by Hillis and his choir. Lincoln and Davis take some of the "Tavern Keeper[']s" female relatives as well. Davis writes, "We did it as an act of charity—for they looked as if they were very tired from hard work." David Davis to Sarah Davis, 7 May 1852, David Davis Family Papers, Folder B-9, IHi, Springfield, IL.

[A Chicago newspaper reports that the jury begins deliberation in the U.S. District Court case of Johnston v. Jones and Marsh. Lincoln would later serve as one of the attorneys in the case, which is often referred to by the more familiar name of the "Sand Bar" case. Chicago Daily Journal (IL), 8 May 1852, 2:2; U.S. Circuit Court, District of Illinois Transcript, 4 December 1854, Johnston v. Jones and Marsh, Record Group 267, Record 1, case file 3201, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC.]

[A Chicago newspaper reports that the jury decides in favor of the plaintiff in the U.S. District Court case of Johnston v. Jones and Marsh. Lincoln would later serve as one of the attorneys for the defendants in the case which is often referred to by the more familiar name of the "Sand Bar" case. Chicago Daily Journal, (IL), 8 May 1852, 2:2; U.S. Circuit Court, District of Illinois Transcript, 4 December 1854, Johnston v. Jones and Marsh, Record Group 267, Record 1, case file 3201, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC.]

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, Lincoln and Usher F. Linder represent defendant Joshua Hollingsworth in the appeal case of Canterbury v. Hollingsworth. The parties reach an agreement, and the court orders Hollingsworth to pay the court costs. In the case of Ligget v. Frazier, Judge David Davis orders Lincoln and John H. Murphy, as attorneys for defendant Samuel Frazier, to enter a plea for their client by the next day. Lincoln and Oliver L. Davis represent plaintiff William N. Brown, a minor, in the case of Brown v. Makemson et al. Brown accuses several men including Andrew Makemson of assault and battery. Judge Davis orders Makemson and the other defendants to file pleas to answer Brown's allegations. The court orders defendant Jabel B. Trent, Lincoln's client in two cases— Murphy v. Trent and Jones & Culbertson v. Trent— to file pleas by Wednesday morning, May 12. Order, 10 May 1852, Canterbury v. Hollingsworth, Circuit Court Record D, 394; Order, 10 May 1852, Ligget v. Frazier, Circuit Court Record D, 394; Order, 10 May 1852, Brown v. Makemson et al., Circuit Court Record D, 396; Order, 10 May 1852, Murphy v. Trent, Circuit Court Record D, 395; Order, 10 May 1852, Jones & Culbertson v. Trent, Circuit Court Record D, 396, all in Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL.

[A Chicago newspaper endorses a Bloomington newspaper's editorial that urges the Whig party to consider Lincoln, John T. Stuart, or Orville H. Browning as the party's candidate in the Illinois gubernatorial election. Chicago Daily Journal (IL), 10 May 1852, 2:1; The Bloomington Intelligencer (IL), 28 April 1852, 2:4.]

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, Lincoln files a plea for defendant Samuel Frazier in the case of Ligget v. Frazier. Two of the defendants in the assault and battery case of Brown v. Makemson et al. file an affidavit in which they ask the court for more time to produce a witness. Lincoln and Oliver L. Davis represent plaintiff William N. Brown. Plea, filed 11 May 1852, Ligget v. Frazier, Champaign County Circuit Court, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL; Affidavits of Harper J. Campbell and Joseph Campbell, 11 May 1852, Brown v. Makemson et al., case file, box 61-3, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL.

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, plaintiff Nelson Ligget requests a change of venue in the case of Ligget v. Frazier, and the court orders "that the venue in this cause be changed to the County of Champaign." Lincoln and John H. Murphy represent defendant Samuel Frazier. Order, 12 May 1852, Ligget v. Frazier, Circuit Court Record D, 411, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL.

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, Judge David Davis swears in a jury in the case of Brown v. Makemson et al. Lincoln's and Oliver L. Davis's client William N. Brown charged Andrew Makemson and several others with assault and battery. The jury returns a guilty verdict, and assesses $100 in damages. Judge Davis orders Makemson and the other defendants to pay the damages and all of the court costs. Lincoln pairs with Oliver L. Davis in another case, People v. Pate and Pate. Lincoln and Davis represent the defendants whom the state is suing to recover the penalties related to a recognizance bond. Johnson W. Pate, and Charles L. Pate acting as his surety, signed five bonds related to five larceny indictments issued against Johnson Pate. Lincoln and Davis file a plea, and Judge Davis renders his judgment that the "court finds the issue for the defendant." Lincoln files the judgment with the court. Judgment, 13 May 1852, Brown v. Makemson et al., Circuit Court Record D, 416; Order, 21 October 1851, People v. Pate and Pate, Circuit Court Record D, 340, both in Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; Judgment, 13 May 1852, People v. Pate and Pate, Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, Lincoln, Ward Hill Lamon, and Joseph Peters represent defendant Jepha Hensley in the appeal case of People v. Hensley. A jury reverses the decision of the lower court and finds Hensley guilty of assault and battery. The court orders Hensley to pay a $3 fine and the court costs. Lincoln writes and files a bond for costs for Jesse Ligget, plaintiff Nelson Ligget's surety, in the case of Ligget v. Frazier. Lincoln and John H. Murphy represent Samuel Frazier whom Ligget is suing for assault. Lincoln represents Johnson Vest, charged with larceny, in the case of People v. Vest. Vest pleads not guilty, and a jury deliberates but cannot reach a verdict. Lincoln requests a continuance to the next term so that he can locate a witness to testify on behalf of Vest. Judge David Davis continues the case and orders Vest to remain in the custody of the county sheriff until Vest renews his bail. Jury Verdict, 3 February 1852, People v. Hensley, case file, box 8; Order, 14 May 1852, People v. Hensley, Circuit Court Record D, 422, both in Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; Bond for Costs, 14 May 1852, Ligget v. Frazier, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL; Transcription of Declaration, 10 October 1851, Ligget v. Frazier, copy files, Henry Horner Lincoln Collection, IHi, Springfield, IL; Indictment, May 1852, People v. Vest, case file, box 3, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; Affidavit, 15 May 1852, People v. Vest, Stern Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Order, 14 May 1852, People v. Vest, Circuit Court Record D, 418, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; .

In Judge David Davis's absence, Lincoln serves as judge in the chancery case of Peabody v. Roney. Lincoln dissolves an injunction, dismisses the suit, and orders the plaintiff to pay the court costs.Decree, 14 May 1852, Peabody v. Roney, Circuit Court Record D, 425, Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; Decree (copy), 14 May 1852, Peabody v. Roney; Minutes of Testimony (copy), 14 May 1852, Peabody v. Roney, both in copy files, IHi, Springfield, IL.

In the Vermilion County Circuit Court, the court orders Joseph Wilson and James J. Wilson to file a bond for cost in the case of Wilson et al. v. Kingsbury et al. Lincoln and John H. Murphy represent Joseph Wilson, James J. Wilson, and William Wilson's conservator James Parmer. The Wilsons are suing their former guardian Enoch Kingsbury and several others over the estate of Edward M. Wilson. Lincoln submits an affidavit supporting his request from the previous day for a continuance in the case of People v. Vest. Answer of Enoch Kingsbury, filed 16 January 1852, Wilson et al. v. Kingsbury et al., case file, box 67-9; Decree, 15 May 1852, Wilson et al. v. Kingsbury et al., Circuit Court Record D, 452, both in Vermilion County Circuit Court, Vermilion County Courthouse, Danville, IL; Affidavit, 15 May 1852, People v. Vest, Stern Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Charles L. Pate, one of the defendants in the case of People v. Pate and Pate, signs a contingency fee agreement, written by Lincoln, promising to pay Lincoln and fellow attorney Oliver L. Davis $80 "whenever the five suits brought in the Vermillion county circuit court, by the People of the State of Illinois, against me, on five several Recognizances of bail, shall be finally decided in my favor, and not before." Contingent Fee Agreement, 15 May 1852, People v. Pate and Pate, Private Collection.

In the evening, Lincoln arrives by buggy at Paris. The spring term of the Edgar County Circuit Court is scheduled to begin on Monday. David Davis to Sarah W. Davis, 17 May 1852, David Davis Family Papers, folder B-9, IHi, Springfield, IL.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Lincoln appears in court on behalf of his client William C. McReynolds in the case of Munsell v. McReynolds, a suit to settle a partnership. Along with Leander Munsell's attorney, Kirby Benedict, Lincoln files an agreement which dismisses the case and obliges McReynolds to pay the court costs. In the case of Noblitt v. Duck, a suit involving a broken contract, Lincoln and Kirby Benedict represent defendant John Duck. Judge David Davis orders Lincoln and Benedict to file their plea by Wednesday, May 19. Judgment, 17 May 1852, Munsell v. McReynolds, Order Book 3, 291; Declaration, 7 May 1852, Noblitt v. Duck, case file, box 25; Order, 17 May 1852, Noblitt v. Duck, Order Book 3, 289, all in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Lincoln represents several defendants in the breach of contract case, Archer v. Bartlett et al. Archer's attorney files a compromise agreement among the litigants and requests a dismissal, which Judge David Davis approves. Lincoln, Charles Emerson, James Steele, and Milton M. Dill represent defendant Robert Clark in the case of People v. Clark. Clark, indicted for loaning public money, pleads not guilty. The court tries Clark, and a jury finds him not guilty. Lincoln and Kirby Benedict request continuances in both Paddock v. Snyder and Wolfe v. Snyder. Judge Davis approves the requests and sets both cases for hearing during the fall term of court. In the case of Rightmire v. Curtis, Lincoln informs the court that his client, defendant Joseph Curtis, has died since the previous court term, and Judge Davis abates the suit. Lincoln signs his name on the judge's docket, making an appearance for the plaintiffs in the case of Dubois et al. v. Wise; Judge Davis continues the case until the fall term of the court. Lincoln files a plea on behalf of his clients George K. Larkin and Daniel G. Burr in the case of Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, a dispute over the sale of a drugstore. Order to Dismiss, filed 18 May 1852, Archer v. Bartlett et al., case file, box 18; Judgment, 18 May 1852, Archer v. Bartlett et al., Order Book 3, 293; Judgment, 18 May 1852, People v. Clark, Order Book 3, 294; Order, 18 May 1852, Paddock v. Snyder, Order Book 3, 296; Order, 18 May 1852, Wolfe v. Snyder, Order Book 3, 296; Order, 18 May 1852, Rightmire v. Curtis, Order Book 3, 297; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Dubois et al. v. Wise; Order, 18 May 1852, Dubois et al. v. Wise, Order Book 3, 297, all in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL. Plea, filed 18 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr; Affidavit of George K. Larkin, 19 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, both in Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Lincoln, representing defendants George K. Larkin and Daniel G. Burr, appears before Judge David Davis to request a continuance in the case of Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, a dispute over the sale of a drugstore. Lincoln files an affidavit to support his request. Judge Davis approves the continuance until the next court term and orders Larkin and Burr to pay the court costs for that term. In a dispute involving a sale of hogs, Lincoln and Usher F. Linder represent defendants John S. Hite and Alexander Mann in the case of Dudley & Sutherland v. Hite and Mann. Judge Davis sets the case for trial and calls a jury. After witnesses testify and each side makes closing arguments, Lincoln submits instructions for Judge Davis to read to the jury. The jury finds in favor of Dudley & Sutherland and awards them $150 in damages. Linder submits a motion for a new trial, and Judge Davis grants the new trial and sets the hearing for the next court term. Lincoln files a plea for John Duck in the gold-mining-contract case of Noblitt v. Duck. Judge Davis calls a jury for the trial, and after hearing testimony and arguments, the jury decides in Duck's favor. Noblitt's attorneys request a new trial, and Judge Davis approves the motion and continues the case until the fall term. In Sizemore v. Moke, Conservator of Sizemore, an assumpsit case, Lincoln and his co-counsel Milton M. Dill file an agreement for plaintiff John Sizemore with the attorney for George Moke to continue the case until the next term. Judge Davis renders a verdict against Lincoln's client Jesse K. Dubois in the ejectment suit of Dubois v. Nabb. Lincoln requests a new trial, and Judge Davis approves the motion. Lincoln signs the judge's docket and appears in court on behalf of his client Daniel M. Triplett in the assumpsit case of Triplett v. Neff. William Neff's attorney applies for a continuance, and Judge Davis continues the case until the next term. Order, 19 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, Order Book 3, 300, Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL; Affidavit, 19 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Order, 19 May 1852, Dudley & Sutherland v. Hite and Mann, Order Book 3, 301, Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL; Jury Instructions (copy), 19 May 1852, Dudley & Sutherland v. Hite and Mann, copy files, Henry Horner Lincoln Collection, IHi, Springfield, IL; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Noblitt v. Duck; Order, 19 May 1852, Sizemore v. Moke, Conservator of Sizemore, Order Book 3, 302; Order, 19 May 1852, Dubois v. Nabb, Order Book 3, 302; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Triplett v. Neff, Judge's Docket; Order, 19 May 1852, Triplett v. Neff, Order Book 3, 302, all in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Judge David Davis sets aside his order for a continuance from the previous day in the case of Sizemore v. Moke, Conservator of Sizemore. Judge Davis calls a jury to hear the testimony of the witnesses and the arguments in the case. Lincoln and Milton M. Dill successfully argue their case for plaintiff John Sizemore Sr. who is suing to recover $300 from George Moke. Moke serves as the conservator for Joshua Sizemore, John Sizemore Sr.'s mentally incompetent adult son. The jury awards Sizemore Sr. $260. Lincoln and Kirby Benedict represent plaintiff John Henderson in the case of Henderson v. Reed. Lincoln files an amended declaration for Henderson, who seeks payment for a "roan stallion" that he agreed to sell to defendant William Reed. Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Sizemore v. Moke, Conservator of Sizemore, Judge's Docket; Order, 20 May 1852, Sizemore v. Moke, Conservator of Sizemore, Order Book 3, 304, both in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL; Amended Declaration, filed 20 May 1852, Henderson v. Reed, Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Lincoln and Milton M. Dill represent defendant John A. Metcalf in the assumpsit suit of Alexander v. Metcalf. The court rules in favor of the plaintiff and orders Metcalf to pay $41.83 and the court costs. Lincoln and Dill represent plaintiff Sally Whitley in the chancery case of Whitley v. Alexander et al. James Steele and Charles Emerson, attorneys for the defendants, file a replication to Whitley's bill of complaint, and the court continues the case. Lincoln defends William Maxwell in the appeal case of Cassady v. Maxwell. The jury decides in favor of plaintiff James M. Cassady, but awards him only $13.50, a reduction from the $40 awarded by the lower court. In the chancery case of Diblee, Richardson & Company v. Tenbrook et al., Lincoln, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, writes an answer for two of the defendants: Mary Chestnut and James W. Ross. Lincoln also writes the decree in which the court orders that the case "be set down and stand for hearing at the next term of this court"; Lincoln files the decree with the court.Order, 21 May 1852, Alexander v. Metcalf, Order Book 3, 308; Decree, 21 May 1852, Whitley v. Alexander et al., Order Book 3, 309; Order, 21 May 1852, Cassady v. Maxwell, Order Book 3, 306, all in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL; Answers of Mary Chestnut and James W. Ross, 22 May 1852, Diblee, Richardson & Company v. Tenbrook et al.; Decree, 21 May 1852 Diblee, Richardson & Company v. Tenbrook et al., both in Lincoln Collection, University of Chicago Library, Department of Special Collections, Chicago, IL.

Judge David Davis opens the Shelby County Circuit Court with sixty cases on the docket. Judge Davis orders Lincoln's clients, the defendants in two related cases, Alderson v. Noland et al., and Alderson v. Noland et al., to file a plea by the next morning. Lincoln and Samuel W. Moulton represent defendant Thomas Hardy in the slander case of Johnson v. Hardy. Judge Davis orders Hardy to file a plea by the next morning. Lincoln represents plaintiff William Reader in the chancery case of Reader v. Williams, a dispute over a land transaction. Judge Davis orders defendant William H. Williams to file an answer to the complaint by Wednesday, May 26. Judge's Docket Entries, May 1852 term, Judge's Docket; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Alderson v. Noland et al., Judge's Docket; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Alderson v. Noland et al., Judge's Docket; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Johnson v. Hardy, Judge's Docket; Decree, 27 May 1852, Reader v. Williams, Circuit Court Record D, 352; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Reader v. Williams, Judge's Docket, all in Shelby County Circuit Court, Shelby County Courthouse, Shelbyville, IL.

In the Shelby County Circuit Court, Lincoln writes a promissory note for John A. Mercer, his client in the case of People v. Noland et al. In the note, Mercer promises to pay Lincoln $7.69 within five months for "value received." Promissory Note, 25 May 1852, People v. Noland et al., IHi, Springfield, IL.

In inventory of Lincoln's estate, note is listed as "worthless." IHi—Lincoln Estate Inventory.

Lincoln appears in court for the defendants in two related trespass vi et armis cases, Alderson v. Noland et al., and Alderson v. Noland et al. Lincoln asks Judge David Davis to require plaintiff German Alderson to file a bond for costs in both cases. Lincoln files an affidavit in support of that motion and he also files a set of pleas in both cases. Lincoln and Anthony Thornton represent defendant James Mitchell in the slander case of Mitchell et ux. v. Mitchell, and they file a plea on his behalf. In another slander case, Johnson v. Hardy, Lincoln and Samuel W. Moulton file three pleas for defendant Thomas Hardy. Johnson's attorneys file replications to all three pleas, and Lincoln endorses the replications with joinders. Judge Davis calls a jury to hear the evidence in the case. The jury finds Hardy guilty and awards plaintiff John W. Johnson $50 in damages. Judge Davis also orders Hardy to pay $9.85 for court costs. The court rules against Lincoln's client, William Walker, in the appeal case of Walker v. Morrison, and orders him to pay defendant John Morrison $7.39. The court also orders Walker to pay "the costs of this suit, in both courts, except the attendance and costs of subpoenaing Joseph Morrison, the Defendants son." Affidavit, 25 May 1852, Alderson v. Noland et al., Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Pleas, filed 25 May 1852, Alderson v. Noland et al., Lincoln Collection, Tokyo Lincoln Center, Meisei University, Tokyo, Japan; Pleas, Notice, 25 May 1852, Mitchell et ux. v. Mitchell, Shelby County Circuit Court, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL; Plea, c. May 1852, Johnson v. Hardy, case file, box 9; Plea, c. May 1852, Johnson v. Hardy, case file, box 9, both in Shelby County Circuit Court, Illinois Regional Archives Depository, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL; Plea, Replication, c. May 1852, Johnson v. Hardy, Alfred Whital Stern Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Replication, c. May 1852, Johnson v. Hardy, Henry Horner Lincoln Collection, IHi, Springfield, IL; Judgment, 25 May 1852, Johnson v. Hardy, Circuit Court Record D, 340; Order, 25 May 1852, Walker v. Morrison, Circuit Court Record D, 339, both in Shelby County Circuit Court, Shelby County Courthouse, Shelbyville, IL .

In the Shelby County Circuit Court, Lincoln files the affidavit of Marshall F. Elam in support of a motion for a continuance in the case of People v. Noland et al. Elam is one of twelve defendants indicted for rioting in conjunction with an assault on German Alderson. Affidavit of Marshall F. Elam, 26 May 1852, People v. Noland et al.; Indictment, May 1852, People v. Noland et al., case file, both in Shelby County Circuit Court, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL.

In the Shelby County Circuit Court, Lincoln represents plaintiff William Reader in the chancery case of Reader v. Williams, a dispute over a land transaction. Reader is suing William H. Williams to obtain the deed to 67.06 acres of land located in Fayette County. Lincoln files a replication for Reader. The attorneys present evidence, question witnesses, and argue their cases before Judge David Davis. Judge Davis rules in favor of Reader. Lincoln writes the judgment, in which Judge Davis orders Williams to convey the deed in question to Reader. Judge Davis swears in a jury to hear the arguments in the slander case of Mitchell et ux. v. Mitchell. Plaintiffs Elijah Mitchell and Missouri Mitchell are suing Lincoln's client, James Mitchell, for making disparaging remarks about Missouri Mitchell. The jury decides in favor of the plaintiffs and awards them $500. Elijah Mitchell and Missouri Mitchell immediately remit $400, and Judge Davis orders the defendant to pay the remaining $100 and all of the court costs which amount to $36.10. In the criminal case of People v. Noland et al., Judge Davis calls a jury to hear the attorneys' arguments. The jury finds eight of the eleven defendants guilty of participating in a riot. Judge Davis imposes fines ranging from $5 to $50 on the guilty defendants. Judge Davis divides the court costs of $58.95 among the eight guilty men, and he requires each man to file a bond to ensure payment of the fines and costs within five months. Replication, 27 May 1852, Reader v. Williams; Judgment, 27 May 1852, Reader v. Williams, both in Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Judgment, 27 May 1852, Mitchell et ux. v. Mitchell, Circuit Court Record D, 351-52; Order, 27 May 1852, People v. Noland et al., Circuit Court Record D, 348-50, both in Shelby County Circuit Court, Shelby County Courthouse, Shelbyville, IL.

Lincoln, Judge David Davis, State's Attorney David B. Campbell, and attorneys Samuel W. Moulton and Anthony Thornton leave Shelbyville in the morning for Sullivan, Illinois, the next stop on the circuit court itinerary. Along the route, they stop four miles north of Shelbyville at the home of John Ward, where they have dinner before departing at three o'clock. The men arrive in Sullivan at around 6 o'clock in the evening. David Davis to Sarah Davis, 3 June 1852, folder B-9, Davis Family Papers, IHi, Springfield, IL.

[Judge David Davis opens the Moultrie County Circuit Court for a three-day session. There are fifty-one cases on the docket. Orders and Decrees, 31 May-June 2, 1852, Circuit Court Record O, 133-59, Moultrie County Circuit Court, Moultrie County Courthouse, Sullivan, IL. ]